The Darkness Follows

1875

I sat at my desk, staring at the blank page as it taunted me. Leaning back in my chair, taking a deep breath as I stared at the ceiling. A feeling of guilt never left me after I met her, my thoughts started to spiral into dark questions. I closed my eyes, covering my face with my hands and I gritted my teeth.

Suddenly, I jumped up from my chair, cradling my head as it throbbed. I felt the room spint as I fell to my knees, gripping my hair.

"Stop. Stop, stop it. Shut up!" My voice was cracking as my body started to shiver.

"Nathan?" I was broken from my trance when Satrena shook my shoulder. I looked up at her, my hands falling to my lap and before I could stutter, she wrapped her arms around me. I didn't resist her warmth and I pulled her down into a strong hug.

We remained silent in each others arms for a while before a sudden knock at the door broke that silence.

For a moment, we both just stared at the door, unsure of what we had to do. But before we could think of something, the knocking started again but softer, almost shy. Me and Satrena stood up and approached the door. I took a deep breath as I pulled the door open.

"Darko?"

To my surprise, Darko was standing at my doorstep, she was older and her hair was longer. I noted that she looked nothing like my brother or his wife, quickly I had set aside my thoughts.

"Long time no see Nathan," she smiled, yet her gaze looked tired and weak, "sorry for not letting you know or returning your horse..."

I could not help but smile, as strange as it was to have seen her again, I was delighted at her return.

It has been years since that first encounter with Darko and accepting what I was had proven to be challenging. Satrena tried to comfort my panicked states time and time again, but the stability in her eyes had started to fade.

I sighed, feeling my thoughts morph into images, memories of Satrena. How she cradled Darko when she arrived at our door, littered with cuts and bruises. Satrena would treat her like her own daughter, one I wished I was good enough to give her.

"Nathan?"

Satrena's voice pulled me from my train of thought and I quickly looked up at them. I cleared my throat, "Darko, uh might I ask what is this sudden arrival for?" her smile ceased from her pale face and was replaced with a slight frown.

"Well, I felt the need to inform you two that I will be leaving to Nightterian grounds within next week," her voice was all but excited.

"Nighttera? Why would you venture to those sacred grounds?" Satrena asked, "My dear, Jericho still protects her realm and will not hesitate to harm you or even kill you," her voice was soft yet she expressed her strength and concern.

Darko sighed before looking at me, her crimson eyes pleading for approval. But I agreed with Satrena, Nightterian grounds are still protected by its lord. "Are you going there alone or-"

"No, I'm going with my friends," Darko interrupted, "You know, Sisore, Netrix and Pixel, they'll be with me a-and we'll have weapons," she added, desperation bled in her voice as she peered through her dark fringe.

After a few moments of silence, both me and Satrena sighed. We knew that we had no true say in what she chose, we could only hope for her safety.

"My dear, only if you are certain that you and your friends will be safe." Satrena said and I nodded, feeling that I had no other words I could add. Darko smiled once again and nodded, saying nothing further.

"Well, why don't you stay for a bit longer? I'll go and heat up the kettle." I offered and when she agreed, I quickly walked into the kitchen, lighting the stove. I patiently listening for the kettle to whistle as I waited then Satrena loomed into the kitchen.

"Nathy?" she said, peering around the door. I looked at her, feeling that I knew her question and I shook my head. My mind was focused on moving ahead of the past, not to dwell on the unchangeable. I sighed as the kettle whistled, steam rushed out of the top. I use to hate the sound of that kettle but those sounds no longer bothered me. And I prepared three cups of coffee for us.

"I never thought you'd do such dangerous things, Darko!" Satrena said, Darko had spoken about the different events and adventures she and her friends had gone through these past thirteen years. I did not have much to say, instead I listened and tried not to focus on the newly made scars around her neck. Then, our eyes met and she quickly pulled her collar higher, her expression twisted into something like pain.

Suddenly, Darko stood up for her chair.

"I think it's time for me to leave..."

Her sudden movements were almost fearful. Satrena also stood up, quickly walking to Darko's side. "My dear, why are you in such a rush now?" Satrena softly questioned and I joined by her side.

Darko sighed before she spoke, "I... It's getting late." her words were defensive but urgent. Satrena pulled Darko into her arms and I wrapped my arms around them both. We remained in a silent bundle for a few seconds before separating. Darko smiled, her tired crimson eyes peeked through her fringe.

"I really have to go, before the Night Crawlers come out," she said, pulling her hood over her head whilst walking to the front door. Me and Satrena followed closely after. Then, Darko stopped outside the door for a bit before walking towards Midnight.

I leaned against Satrena's ear and whispered, "Please stay here, I want to talk to her for a second." She nodded and stepped back into the house after waving Darko farewell.

Then I approached her and she lifted herself onto the dark horse. I reached for her hand and looked up at her, "Darko, how are you holding up?" she sighed.

"We're holding up just fine. Me and Kira moved into a house on the edges of The Sunset Village and we're surviving," she said, smiling slightly. I sighed, then stepped back and waved her farewell.

As I watched her gallop into the misty forest and I vocalised my mind.

"That's not what I meant..."